Prayer is a great privilege; it is communing with a Holy God, in harmony with His Holy Word, concerning a holy subject, and deepening a holy relationship for a holy purpose. Yet, it is often a great struggle. We can resist praying, wondering of its effectiveness; our mind can wander, think wrong thoughts, and even fall asleep; we can do battle with the enemy, who will do all possible to keep us from praying; we can struggle with knowing how to pray, what words to use, what to pray about, what to pray for, and how long we should pray. Knowing prayer would be a battleground, Jesus gave clear instructions and provided a template for us to follow.
Our Father – we give you praise for who you are and that you have adopted us into your holy family through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. In heaven – you have sovereign rule over all creation; none is greater; none will ever usurp your Throne. Hallowed be your name – you are holy and worthy of all praise; you are perfect in all you are and do. Your kingdom come – come quickly Lord Jesus; may we wait with expectation, living in light of the soon return of Jesus Christ. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven – may we be intent on doing your will; may it be our goal to please you in all things; may your Word be our guide and authority for all things. Give us this day our daily bread – may we be ever thankful and fully content with all you give. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors – may we be quick and willing to forgive those who have offended us; may we be fully repentant of all sin, having nothing separating us from fellowship with you. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil – may we be quick to flee all temptation, resisting all the evil influences of the enemy, fully clothed with your armor. In all things, may we give you glory and praise, loving you as you have graciously loved us (Matthew 6.9-13).
Given the privilege of prayer – we have much to be thankful for –
Terry Burlingame
My Morning Desk 